“A VIEW FROM THE OUTSIDE” BY GAIL RIECKEN

A VIEW FROM THE OUTSIDE

By GAIL RIECKEN

Dear Friend, recently I was asked to share a thought or two on State issues from the perspective of a former state legislator. So join me, one who was once on the “INSIDE” and now has “A VIEW FROM THE OUTSIDE.” 

The hot news this past week has been the Vice-President Pence email scandal (soon to have a name, I am sure). While the IndyStar is raking the Vice-President over the coals, some people are getting a little nervous that this will seriously hurt his future bid for President; others think that is just fine.

What I think is that we are missing something very important, something far more reaching about this incident that we should talk more about.

Government has the responsibility to maintain a trustworthy relationship with its citizens; it is a priority.

The email incident, at minimum, should be a wake-up call. For our Legislature, it should be an opportunity. Here is one way to take on that opportunity.

The Legislature could create an independent commission that would review the ethics code and rules of the Legislature, communication and email issues, etc. on an ongoing basis, taking testimony and reporting annually to the Legislature, giving recommendations.

Better yet, the Executive and Judicial branches of government could be a part of the commission. There is no doubt that recommendations from this kind of inclusive commission would promote a comprehensive discussion of options for improvements.

I would like to see this independent commission of the three branches of government start by reviewing again the 2014 report from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). That report highlights what states are doing, what more states could do and even gives Indiana a “shout out” for our improved transparency measures.  Take a look here    INtestimonyFINAL10-14

Being accountable to citizens always warrants our best actions. An independent commission of the three branches is just one idea; I am sure there are others.

And, even though the email issue with Vice-President Pence is disturbing, it is also an opportunity for the Legislature to act.